just rebuilt runs bad

1) Problem recap:
- The motor only seems to run well at 45 BTDC initial timing. It idles okay and has nice throttle response. When I increase RPM I can watch the timing advance more than 20 degrees (total 65 or higher). It runs poorly when timing is set anywhere near where it should be (12 - 20 BTDC initial)

2) Ignition:
MSD 6AL
MSD Blaster Coil
MSD Distributor
New MSD Plug wires
New Autolite plugs

3) Using the above MSD ignition:
- Verified TDC using a piston stop
- Verified both intake and exhaust valves closed at TDC compression stroke.
- Verified at TDC that rotor is pointing to the number one spark plug terminal.
- Set 15 BTDC and aligned rotor to #1 plug wire
- Verified spark plug wire properly configured to plugs in a clockwise firing order 18436572
- To check cam installation. Verified #6 cylinder valve overlap is within a half inch of the timing mark. It was about an eighth.
- Compression is consistent between 135 and 145
- Isolated MSD Box and wiring away from other wires to the extent possible.
- Grounded and powered MSD box direct with battery
- Locked out advance on MSD distributor. Reconfigured it after initial timing test were unsuccessful.
- Verified MSD orange to Coil positive and MSD black to coil negative
- Verified proper wiring of MSD connection to distributor
- Used basic inductive timing light and inductive degree adjustable timing light.
- Checked for vacuum leaks, around manifold, carb base, and carb ports.
- Tried 2 different carbs

4) Using MSD box and coil with a stock 318 magnetic pick up distributor. Same problem, motor only runs well with 45 BTDC initial timing.

5) Using MSD Box and coil with a new rebuilt stock points distributor. Same problem, motor only runs well with 45 BTDC initial timing.

6) Removed MSD box, ran stock points distributor with MSD coil. Engine fired but would not start.
- Didn't have stock coil or ballast but will by this Friday
- Ran wire from battery positive to coil positive
- Ran coil negative to black distributor wire.
- Verified point gap.
- verified TDC compression stroke
- Verified spark plug wiring and proper firing order
- Tried starting with rotor pointing towards #1 plug and timing mark 15 BTDC, 10 BTDC, 5BTDC, and TDC. No luck.

7) Other notes, most I haven't posted because I thought they would be a distraction, but maybe not:
- The machine shop is primarily Chevy
- I had the machine shop change timing chain covers. The old one had timing marks on the passenger side, the replacement has timing on the drivers side.
- The machine shop didn't like the new rocker assembly that I provided saying the kit wasn't machined well and they convinced me to use rockers made by Comp Cam.
- The machine shop told me they were unable to degree the cam using the Mopar Performance timing chain and gear kit that I provided. Said it was a defect.

I'm not trying to point fingers at the machine shop here. They spent hours on the phone with me. They've wanted me to go back to the stock ignition, which now I have without success. Unless something good happens I will be back in touch with them on Friday after I install the stock coil, and ballast.

I've read every post in this thread at least twice and sometimes more.

This will really be embarrassing if it ends up I'm doing something stupid but I can deal with that if the engine is running like it should.

Thanks for reading.